Singingredcard?
The appointment of Ian Maxwell, Partick Thistle managing director, as the new chief executive of the SFA is encouraging for many reasons (“New SFA boss Ian Maxwell vows to build a ‘better future’,” The Scotsman, 24 April).in particular, there is the hope that he will forge closer links with the SPFL.
Where I am concerned is that writer Stephen Halliday goes on to discuss the vital items in Mr Maxwell’s in-tray. These are, apparently, child abuse prevention; Hampden’s future; tournament qualification; relationship with the SPFL and a new sponsor – all worthy matters.
Does this mean the file on tackling sectarianism is at the bottom of the SFA filing cabinet, with the Edward Bowen report, the Social Attitudes Survey 2013 and, perhaps,the letter of congratulation to James Kelly, Labour MSP, for getting the Offensive Behaviour At Football Act repealed?
Some 90 per cent of Scots feel that the attitude of the football authorities is part of the problem, not the solution, to the sectarianism which shames our nation.
The time has come for the problems of dangerous flares, sectarian singing, offensive banners, pitch invasions, stadium vandalism, match violence and disgusting chants to be tackled.
The SFA and SPFL have body-swerved this for years, and the overwhelming majority of decent Scottish football fans are heart-sick of it.
It is not as if there is not a solution. Scotland must bring in the “strict liability” code of conduct, as applied effectively by Uefa and in use across Europe and the rest of the UK. Ian Maxwell can ensure this is on the SFA’S agm agenda in June.
If this policy were implemented then the SFA and SPFL could shut a stand, deduct points or fine or even close an entire stadium of the errant club.
Even the dimmest of fans would think twice if the outbreaks of the familiar repulsive “community singing” we and the European TV audience heard at the Scottish FA Cup semi -final would lead to a hefty points deduction or a match played behind closed doors.
Justice Secretary Michael Matheson has said the Scottish Government will act if the football authorities do not get their act together. Maybe, under Ian, they will.
JOHN V LLOYD Keith Place, Inverkeithing